Officials draw attention to human trafficking issue

The U.S. government estimates at least 17,000 people are victims of human trafficking into this country every year. Local officials are trying to bring attention to the issue.

At the Thompson Center Monday, dozens of people took part in a kickoff event for the sixth annual effort to raise public awareness of human trafficking.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan was among the officials there.

"Human trafficking is considered a modern day form of slavery, which after drug trafficking, is tied with the illegal arms industry as the world's second largest criminal industry in the world, and it's the fastest growing," said Madigan.

The Department of Human Services and the Salvation Army sponsored Monday's event.

This Saturday the Department of Human Services, along with volunteers, will canvass neighborhoods and hang posters showing how to help victims of trafficking.